finally got the weather to cooperate and got the helmet our for a test drive with my DR and my CRF, so here is my review of the Icon Variant dual sport helmet. It's going to be a short review, but oh well lol.
http://buddabuga.imgur.com/IYX5N#LwsqxFit: once i finally found the correct size (and one that was way different from what I had been wearing) the helmet seems to fit fine. Not sure of my head shape, but the foam pads are supportive without being a nuisance and contorting my face or head. I don't think the foam has broken in yet, so the fit is still quite snug, but better then being loose on my head. the helmet doesn't move on my head and it feels as light as any other helmets i have worn, even the approved racing helmet for NHRA.
Function: I like the idea of the dual sport helmet, having a visor and a face shield. My only gripe is the visor is fixed and not adjustable like it is on my MX lid. that said, it still offers plenty of usefulness in blocking the late evening or morning sun when needed without having to stuff a pair of sunglasses in my helmet that digs into my head and face.
Features: Lots of features on this helmet that I am slowing getting used to but love already. First up is the amount of vents this thing has... holy crap!
I am not used to seeing more than 2 - 4 vents at the max, but this thing has like 8-10... two are up on top of the visor. Another 2 are directly above the face shield, as seen here:
http://buddabuga.imgur.com/IYX5N#mSTQg. another one in the mouthpiece to control fogging of the shield, and some on the rear for exhaust. Anther feature of the helmet is the chin shield/ guard seen here:
http://buddabuga.imgur.com/IYX5N#TXw36. My first helmet with this and I must say, in the cool and cold weather it keeps the air from coming up in the helmet from my chin and keeps my mouth and nose warmer.. always a plus!
And all the vents can be closed and opened separately, so if you need fresh air to cool off, you can just close the vents.
While Riding: Being the downside of riding in Oklahoma is the wind was blowing 90 mph when I tested the helmet, and all was find until i tried to turn my head to look down a road or to change lanes, at which point the wind tried to take my helmet and head with it!. but straight on the helmet was fine. a little noisy from the wind, but stable and didn't try to lift off my head either. But that may be a factor of the fairing on the DR since when I rode my CRF the wind was not really a factor as it was out on the road... The weight of the helmet as i mentioned seems to be no heavier than my previous helmets, movement and quick looks were fine, leaning over to look at something was not hard, I didn't feel like i was fighting the helmet when I had to move or turn.
My only small gripe with the helmet is the face shield doesn't seem to push up out of the way as far as i would like it, but guess that has something to do with never owning a dual sport helmet before and the visor making the view area looked cramped even though it really is not.
In conclusion, considering all the factors and features of this helmet, I'd certainly buy another if the need arose or suggest it to friends. yeah, it may be a little costly, but the fit and finish of the materials and the components are phenomenal. Also getting 30% off the MSRP certainly helped!
